WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14, 2018 - The Alzheimer's Association, its advocacy arm the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), and its nationwide network of advocates are celebrating another proposed substantial funding increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee has included a $401 million increase for fiscal year 2019.
"We commend the subcommittee and Congressman Cole (R-Okla.) for their bipartisan effort to secure another significant increase" said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association and AIM President and CEO. "Alzheimer's is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed, but through medical breakthroughs we're working together to change that."
Recent years of historic funding increases have enabled scientists across the country to explore new areas of research. Because of the increased investment by the NIH, researchers are advancing the understanding of the disease, exploring biomarkers, discovering potential ways to reduce risk, and are working to move promising therapeutic candidates and diagnostic tools forward into clinical testing. This increase would provide the NIH with the resources needed to stay on track to reach the National Alzheimer's Plan goal to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025.
This effort was led by Alzheimer's champion Representative Cole. The full House Appropriations Committee may take action on the bill as early as next week and the Senate is expected to act in the coming weeks.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and another 16 million are providing unpaid care. The most expensive disease in America, Alzheimer's will cost an estimated $277 billion including $186 billion in direct costs to Medicare and Medicaid in 2018.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
